What do I need to get started?

[thedigitale]

I'm in the process of building the coop, and we're planning on getting pullets or laying hens (no chicks). The coop will house 7-8 hens, but we'll initially be starting with 2-3. They can't free range where I am, and will have a run filled with gravel and sand. I'm trying to figure out which waterer and how many I need, and if galvanized or plastic is the better bet. Since we have cold winters, I'd like something I have the option to add a heater to if needed. I'm also trying to figure out what size feeder I'll need, and if I'll need anything for grit / oyster shells, and if so, what I'll need.

I've managed to figure out almost everything else I need, but the feed and water thing has me confused. Also, do they go in the coop? In the run? Both? I've seen both, so I'm not sure what the advantages / disadvantages are.

Thanks for any insight!

 

[DeepDishChix]

You should have 2 waterers since the big chickens tend to guard it so the others can't get to it. I would put it in the run so that if it spills it will be easier to clean up. Hope this is helpful!

 

[21hens-incharge]

I keep food in the coop and water in the run.
I use plastic dog water dishes from the farm supply store. To thaw them in the winter I simply take them out of the run and pour hot water on the bottom of them (upside down dish of course). The ice drops out and I refill it. I have been using the same dishes for years now with no cracking or breakage.

You can see one of them here when I was keeping them in the coop.


I keep the feed in the coop since stinking mice like to help themselves. The only way they can get in the coop is when the pop door is open and the hen in the pic is more than happy to eat them if they go in. It also keeps my feed dish from being flooded in a rain and wasting feed as well as keeping wild birds from trying for it.